Former Circus Elephants Separated For 22 Years

While animals and humans may not look the same, it’s hard to deny the incredible similarities we share. Just like humans, animals are capable of joy and grief – and every so often an emotional moment comes along to remind us just how alike we truly all are. One such occurence aired on PBS in 2000, and the remarkable story quickly gained worldwide attention. In it we see two former circus elephants reuniting after 22 years apart, and the captured footage will leave you in tears.

Taken at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, we see the incredible moment Shirley and Jenny recognize each other for the first time after over two decades apart. Not only is the reunion emotional, but it serves as a sobering reminder that these animals have the capacity to feel love just like we do.

The keepers are just as emotional as they watch the elephants meet for the first time in years. With anticipation in their eyes, they take in the beautiful moment as the elephants suddenly recognize each other through the gates. What happens next will leave you in tears, as they wrap their trunks around each other in a loving embrace. See the incredible moment two former circus elephants reunite in the emotional below – this story never gets old!